Local business, Curious Pencil Ltd a corporate greeting card manufacturer, has made it to the final of awards after impressing judges for their approach to driving growth through sustainability.
Curious Pencil Ltd from Sandwell, a small corporate greeting card manufacturing company has been selected as a finalist for the first-ever ‘Green Growth Awards’, a new national competition recognising small businesses leading the way in embracing sustainability to innovate and drive business growth.
Launched by Small Business Britain, in partnership with BT, the inaugural Green Growth Awards will award two sustainability grants of £5000 to two small businesses that have successfully boosted their bottom line by implementing sustainable initiatives. The grants will help provide additional funding for businesses to invest further in this area.
Simone Smith, co-founder of Curious Pencil Ltd, has reached the final round of the awards after impressing judges with the company’s commitment to green growth. Since 2018, Curious Pencil Ltd has specialised in hand-illustrated, personalised corporate greeting cards, helping businesses express appreciation and build meaningful connections. Sustainability is central to what they do. Their greeting cards offer a unique, eco-friendly alternative to traditional corporate gifts, serving as cherished keepsakes rather than plastic or other disposable items. The cards are made from recyclable, FSC-certified materials and printed on-demand to minimise waste. Beyond materials, the company collaborates with artists and suppliers in the UK, to reduce its carbon footprint while supporting the community. They also partner with a respected tree-planting organisation for reforestation efforts and donate monthly to a local youth centre charity, as they believe it’s about creating a better future in all aspects.
On being named a finalist, Simone Smith said: “It’s great to be recognised for the work that we do. We understand we are a printed product, but wanted to strike a balance between the importance of human connection through a physical card, and also thinking of our planet. We have exciting plans for furthering our sustainable efforts with seed paper cards in the future and hope to continue developing our impact.”
“The Green Growth Awards recognise the outstanding small businesses that are not only leading the way in sustainability but are also using it to fuel innovation and growth,” says Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain.
The winners of the Green Growth Awards will be announced at a special event at BT’s Headquarters in London on 11 March 2025.
Curious Pencil Ltd is small creative business, based in Oldbury, specialising in personalised, hand-illustrated corporate greeting cards. Founded in January 2015 by sisters Simone Smith and Sheleen Cocea, the company’s mission is to help businesses put people first – one card at a time. They believe every customer, client, and colleague should feel genuinely valued, not just a number. Through their bespoke greeting cards, Curious Pencil Ltd helps businesses build emotional connections, enhance customer experiences, and strengthen relationships. They celebrate art by blending the creativity found in shop-bought cards with the professionalism required for corporate settings, ensuring each card conveys a warm, yet considered personal touch. The company proudly collaborates with local artists and supports charities that align with their values.
https://www.curiouspencil.co.uk
